Glenview mother shares story to inspire others not to give up when they are faced with challenges

October 01, 2013|By Alexandra Chachkevitch, Tribune Reporter

Diane Turner, left, and her daughter Rebecca Turner, right, pose for a picture during an art exhibition on Sept. 27 put on by The Arts of Life, a nonprofit that serves adults with and without disabilities. Rebecca, who has a previous developmental delay, has been attending the organization's studio in Glenview to express her creativity. (Alexandra Chachkevitch, Chicago Tribune)

Creating a life of possibilities in face of obstacles has been Glenview resident Diane S. Turner's mantra throughout the challenges life presented her, including the birth of her daughter.

Born healthy, at 4 months Rebecca suffered seizures that left her with a pervasive developmental delay, which affected her reading, writing and computing skills.

Despite her disabilities, Rebecca has overcome her obstacles and enjoys her life to its fullest, said Turner.

"She's been my biggest joy and my biggest challenge," said Turner, smiling. "You learn what's important to focus on and what's not. You learn where your strengths are."

Turner, a life coach and a therapist with more than 35 years of experience, self published a book titled "Heart Wisdom, A Concise Companion for Creating a Life of Possibility" in March. She hopes it inspires people to not give up if they face challenges in life.

"It was a terrifying time," said Turner, remembering first faces with the challenge of raising Rebecca.

Looking back at the tough times, Turner said she feels blessed.

"Becs loves art. She loves to sing. She's just like everybody," Turner said.

Rebecca, now 29, has a busy schedule very much like other people her age.

Artistically and socially minded, Rebecca paints four days a week at the Glenview studio of The Arts of Life, a Chicagoland nonprofit that serves adults with and without disabilities.

She also volunteers and works part-time at the Glenview Park Center on Fridays and goes to a Jewish Sunday school.

"I like working," said Rebecca, who started participating with The Arts of Life about three years ago.

On a recent Friday night, Turner and her son, Seth Turner, Rebecca's older brother, came to see his sister's artwork during an exhibition the nonprofit hosted as part of its new event, Sketchbook Swap. Artists from the organization's Chicago and Glenview studios paired up over the course of the past three months.

The piece Rebecca created as part of the project was nestled on a wall in one of the corners of the art studio, next to a sketchbook she shared with another artist for creative ideas.